What Are You Really Teaching?
I am deeply burdened today. Burdened for what I am encountering in observations of adults as well as students. I have had a difficult week as it relates to what individuals and families are facing. I have had several experiences this week that have caused me to I want to scream and say, REALLY?
What do you want your children to REALLY learn? If you get the right curriculum and the perfect lesson plans but you never teach, or model for your children, the importance as well as the practice of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ, what have you accomplished? If you never seek to learn or model a life that is selfless, you will be selfish and your children will be as well. If you are independent in your thinking and lifestyle and reject authority, your children will not understand the importance of rules for their personal well being as well as the well-being of an entire community.
If we are too busy to take initiative with what is important in our personal life, then we will not model for our children a spirit of service. If we do not show up for events to support others, our children will never learn the importance of serving others.
This week I encountered several incredibly hard events. My first was with an outsider who was inquiring of what Circle offers for high schoolers. A parent showed up for one of our campus tours on the wrong day and was extremely rude to our administrative director. Later in the week the individual visited again and wanted to leave a student on campus for the entire day. When I explained that non-enrolled students could not be on campus without adult supervision I was appalled at the response. I then went to speak to the child who I found to be quite arrogant as well. When they left I was so burdened for this family. What is this parent REALLY teaching the child; demands, personal rights, intimidation? REALLY?
I then encountered another difficult situation where I observed a family that I know is walking through a difficult marriage. I saw them together at a school function, and the masks that had to be put on in order to look like the happy family was heartbreaking. What are the parents REALLY teaching the children about marriage? What are those precious children encountering behind close doors? Are they emotionally safe? Will they learn from mom and dad how to live and love and keep their covenant until death do they part?
Lastly, I visited the K-6 campus days where only a few parents stayed to participate in the opening assemblies. Children were presenting projects that they had worked on at home but in many cases the parents were not in the room to hear the final presentation. REALLY? Are we too busy? Too tired? What are we teaching our children about support, as well as cheering others on?
Are we grateful for the incredible community that has been built at Circle? Are we grateful for the arts program and all that is being established for children, for our athletic programs and the sacrifices that many of our coaches who do not even have children here give to your family? Are we grateful for the hours that our classroom teachers spend serving and communicating to create incredible learning environments? Have you thanked anyone lately?
I wonder if this is why we are seeing more and more parents and children disconnect. Mom and dad have chosen a noble way of education, as well as an incredibly taxing one, but the lessons in life are being modeled in such a way that the lessons from the textbook are irrelevant.
I am begging you to engage. Our days are short and the enemy of this world has fed us lies – lies of entitlement and disengagement. Will you seek others to help you on your journey of living an authentic life? Will you make your personal growth a priority? My heart is burdened and I am asking the LORD right now what I can do to encourage and strengthen families.
At Circle, we will continue to provide a place for families to be encouraged in their learning, and strengthened in their families, in order for their relationships to be built in such a way that their legacy will be great.
I would love to hear your thoughts, your needs, and your heart’s cry.
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Hi, Linda. It has been on my heart this last week to let you know how much we have appreciated Circle as a new family. It has been a blessing for us. Was hoping to see you at Share Fair tomorrow. In Him, Sara Malcomb
Dear Linda,
I hear you! My heart was burdened today as I tried to enjoy some quiet time in the back today. The neighbor’s daughter was yelling at her kids, telling them to shut up. The kids were calling her names and she was yelling at them, ordering them and just generally teaching them to be rude. It was sad.
My heart is burdened for my own kids even as they are adults. The separation I have endured has not been easy but it has been necessary. I know many families are struggling and I know what that is like. I will pray with you for the Circle families and children. It is not an easy time to be in this world!
My heart’s cry is for the Lord to invade the hearts and minds of His people!
Blessings,
Connie Smith-Mendez.
Preach it, sister! Amen & amen!
We are experiencing similar phenomena. The distance between light and dark grows as the gray zone shrinks. Difficult times do not make difficult people. Difficult times reveal what is already in the heart. I have seen areas within myself that need much work as I have gone through some very difficult times in myself this year. It’s like I hear about myself, “You didn’t get angry because life is hard, Sandy. You got angry because you didn’t get your own way again.” Now it helps me pray for those in our care: God, reveal what’s in our hearts that we might repent and find forgiveness in You.” God bless you. The front lines are hard.
Thanks Linda for sharing passionately with us and calling us to greater things! This has been a tough week(s) for us, and my flesh wants to hide, give up and do only what is absolutely necessary. But then I read this and my heart is encouraged to- by His strength- rise to the challenge to engage my girls and run the race I know He has called our family to!
Just one more reason I love CCS!
Stacey Thacker
Everyone is susceptible to all of this. Really.
There are no exceptions. Each of can have an occasional good day or some good moments but surrender is moment by moment, day after day. Only if we yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our personal lives will there be fruit in our family relationships, in our conduct, in our schedule and in those secret places.
Let’s encourage one another today to yield to the King.
Linda I have observed the same regarding supporting young people in their efforts epically as concerns support for sports, girls soccer in particular(since that is what I coach). Attendance is very low many parents rarely if ever attend a game. These young people work hard at what they do and need our support.
Thank you for sharing your heart regarding teaching our children not just the curriculum, or even the Bible! But encouraging us to teach them to walk with a Person–with God Himself.
I have been reviewing these very questions in my own life these past few weeks and thinking about some of the deep sacrifices I’ve made that have felt wounding to my “professional” life, or activities that are important to me, for the sake of being with my children. I have been meditating on Christ’s example of sacrifice. So many books we can read, methods we can employ–but since we are a graceless mess, we need Christ’s example. What better Mentor in all the phases of life!
This really encouraged me, Linda. I am glad God is holding on to me and how He demonstrates His love moment by moment. May I choose to pass this on to my children–especially when life is tough. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Hugs.
Linda,
This is such a reminder of why I SO appreciate the CCS Family’s philosophy. Although the “educational” attributes are stressed, the priority is always on teaching our children the values of life that really matter; the values that will shape their lives and transform them into vessels God can use.
Having open relationships with our kids, teaching them to love and care for others, showing them daily that a life given to God is the real goal; these are the values that CCS is helping us develop in our children.
Thank you for your contiued sensitivity and care for our families.
Linda,
Thank you for your words, which show how much you care about the students at Circle and their true education. We parents can easily be occupied with many responsiblities and allow them to take priority over our children’s schooling and character development. Home education is indeed taxing in every aspect of our lives, often interfering with schedules, appointments, house-keeping, and that beloved “me time”. But, just as you stated, our time with our children is short. I have one who is in college and I can testify as to how quickly the years pass by. Parent educators get weary, but we must perservere and finish the race set before us; relying on Christ as our strength and energy source.
That said, we must also take into consideration the times in which we are now living. Many families have experienced economic changes that may have required different work schedules, both parents working, etc. Some families have other children with specific needs and may have to give up attending general assembly, and may be broken hearted over it. We must not be quick to judge WHY the parents are not attending assembly time, for we do not know each situation. That is not to say that each week there should still be many parents there, with a few exceptions. Praying for Circle families- that the LORD will move in their hearts, creating a desire to be fully involved in their home education as well as HIM providing the circumstances for that involvment to take place, is the best thing we can do for each other.
Lind, thank you for sharing. I am so encouraged and thankful for Circle. I have seen my daughter thrive in an environment filled with love and nurturing. She feels safe and that is the only way a child can experience true learning. Thank you for sometimes blindly following the path God has laid out for you…. It is a daily faith walk, I know.
I pray that the world will learn that parenting is constant…it is an engaged life vs. a “spectator” life meant to be watched from the sidelines. It is WORK – more rewarding than any job. We all need to be reminded, though, that when we are confronted with angry children, disrespectful and hurtful, that these children need our prayers. Just as you experienced this week, they are often only modeling what they are learning at home. I personally needed this reminder and thank you again for sharing this story.
Although I agree with the idea and the burden on everyone’s heart, I wholeheartedly agree with Jill. We have to be careful not to sound judgmental of others. Maybe there is a reason they cannot come to games, presentations, etc. I do not dismiss the importance of their presence, we do not know the reason for their absence. In this day and age we Christians get a bad rap for being judgemental to others. Let’s not let our own family, friends and classmates feel this way. Rather, let’s rally around each other and support little ones who’s parents couldnt make it to that science fair project or that soccer game. If the parents are doing the best they can, who are we to sit back and say it isn’t good enough?
Hi Linda,
I too have found situations where students and parents don’t seem to be connecting. Students want to go to volunteer events and want to be leaders, but they say their family is already too busy. This year I have had difficulty getting parents to become examples to their precious ones, by assisting in volunteer events.
We are all called to be servants. When a parent steps up and leads an event and shows compassion to another or gives of their time for another, that message is huge! Priorities become clearer.
I am saddened when I see a student leader plan a wonderful volunteer opportunity, take the time to write an article for the newsletter, announce it at both campuses during lunch, then one person shows up, other than myself and the student.
Is it a respect issue? I hope not.
I pray daily for the students at Circle. I pray the influences of this world will be weakened by stronger family bonds.
My prayer is that parents will “get to know their own students” at a deeper level and their students are open to stronger relationships of respect.
A friend sent this link to me and it says so much. http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others/homeschool-not-about-education-by-chris-davis.html
If you remember the article about Digital Natives and Digital Immagrants…The article above is about the differences between Homeschooling Pioneers, Settlers, and Refugees. I see a LOT of Refugees.
Great article Linda. My heart stays burdened too.
Linda, Thank you for always reminding us to stay focused on the really important things. Lessons and staying on schedule are important to homeschooling, but not as important as a loving nurturing relationship with our children. We must always remember to be our child’s best cheerleaders as well as their best teachers…in everything we do.
My desire in the post is to call parents to attend to their life and what are they modeling for their children. Family values and mission that are not only clarified and identified are a mooring place to keep us from drifting. My prayer is that each person will truly look at what they are teaching their children on how to love the Lord their God with all their HEART, SOUL and MIND!
Such a great article Linda.
Yes, the academics are important. But we have a unique opportunity to mold our children as homeschoolers. To be actively involved in the many moments that make up our children’s days. Communicating verbally & visually the Love of Christ. This has by far been my priority in my past 12 years of Homeschooling Isis. I see the rewards everyday when I see her walking, authentically in His love. It is so worth it. Live out your Homeschooling to the fullest, as a teacher that is a mirror of His image, a reflection of what He would want you to do & your children to choose.
Hi Linda,
I truly understand and agree with you 100%. Working along side Kim, I too see tha gap and now I hope all the parents take time to read what you have written. Putting vital information for everyone to read is the most effective way I feel. Knowledge is Power. I too appreciate CCS Family’s philosophy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Loving the Lord with all your Heart,Soul and Mind,stand firm on THE ROCK.
Linda,
As usual, you are pointing to God’s truth about family. Circle Christian has been a cornerstone in building our life around Jesus. We were not a part of Circle when I first saw examples of the parents you all have discipled. I met 2 mothers of Circle, whom I was drawn to, who eventually led me to Circle, who pointed me to Jesus. This is why it is so important for Circle to have events which are open to the public AND to Circle only families. Your support and building up reaches out. Do not be disheartened by these incidents. They are usually the pride before the fall.
Thank you to everyone at Circle and all the products of Circle for pointing me and my family Godward. All of the prayers, nice words, rebuke, and truth are getting through farther than you will know on this earth. All my heart, Dawn
I have become severely disillusioned with the Catholic school system for the very reason that the disconnect is allowed to flourish. I’m very grateful to have been led to Circle & am even happier you are calling Circle parents to a higher standard.
Linda, I know that this is a huge burden for a lot of parents, but in growth I have learned that we need to be engaged and purposeful, stop letting things direct your life and start living with goals in mind. What curriculum I use is not as important to me today as it was when I started homeschooling, today I let God guide me and keep me engaged. You are so right the moments are few but taking the time to engage lasts forever. Thankyou for all that you are it is a blessing to many.
Dear Linda,
just today over tacos…. I shared with a mom just how incredibly blessed we are. We no longer feel like “aliens” but rather feel at home. Circle has been worth the drive from Kissimee! Thank you for your firm and loving words as you steer us in the right trail, as Jamie Saint put it! We are in this world but not of this world and so we should constantly work at holiness by cleaning our filters!
Linda, Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such an authentic manner. One of the reasons I am drawn to Circle is because of the way you embrace and encourage family unity. We plan to attend next year as my daughter begins Kindergarten, and one thing I look forward to most is attending Assembly with her. It is what draws her to CCS too; she told me “Mommy, I want to go to Circle because you get to be with me for part of the day!” It means so much to her, and to me. I was even more thrilled when I found out I can bring her younger brother as well. What a great way to start the day!
Also, I have to say, disengagement is not everywhere, as I’m sure you are well aware. I have the privilege of running a nonprofit and get to see the beautiful side of humanity and service every day.
Keep on following the path the Lord sets you on and others will follow.
Thank you for all you do.
Linda,
You speak as a prophet to the Homeschooling community when you call us out to bigger and better things! Thank you! Clearly, consistent engagement and others-centeredness, can only come about from a yielded believer relying on the Holy Spirit.
Also, I think Missy is right to point out the different backgrounds and motivations of homeschool parents (pioneers, settlers & refugees). Not all parents are equally equipped and prepared for the challenges we face. So those who are able must not weary of doing good, both within our families, and for one another as we walk this journey. Let us help, teach, encourage, and yes- even sometimes challenge, one another for God’s glory.